Lowering Suspension?

[RobM77]

See also this thread here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I contacted a well respected BMW specialist the other day about replacing the tired suspension on my 70k mile E36 328i Sport Coupe. They reccomended a Bilstein kit that would lower the car. I'm not so sure about it.. Any opinions? Will it mess up the handling and ride comfort? (it's my mile muncher you see).

[dan101smith]

Unlikely to mess up the handling particularly, but ride comfort usually suffers as a result of lowering on stiffer springs.

[mmm-five]

Just replacing your suspension with all new parts will make the car feel new again - it might not necessarily be more expensive either (it's not like you need electronic dampers replaced).

[Ranger 6]

A kit is usually cheaper than adding the components together, however it sounds like you're not happy with the prospect of lowering it. I would suggest using Bilstein B4s as replacement shocks and leaving the springs alone. The B4s are an OEM replacement spec but usually result in a slightly tighter feel over standard, a useful upgrade without ruining the ride.

As already mentioned it's usually a good time to replace bushes etc when you're doing this type of work.

[RobM77]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Thanks for the informative post. That's the sort of thing I want to hear.

[mmm-five]

Don't forget to check with your insurance company that changing to aftermarket spring/dampers will affect your policy. Some will treat it as a modification, so will only do so if it's lowered, and some won't be bothered at all.

Best to check beforehand rather than have to fork out another couple of hundred quid after the fact - or worse, have your policy cancelled as they can't cover your new 'risk category'.

[RobM77]

mmm-five said:

Don't forget to check with your insurance company that changing to aftermarket spring/dampers will affect your policy. Some will treat it as a modification, so will only do so if it's lowered, and some won't be bothered at all.

Best to check beforehand rather than have to fork out another couple of hundred quid after the fact - or worse, have your policy cancelled as they can't cover your new 'risk category'.

Thanks for reminding me, I haven't spoken to them yet. Funnily enough, I got a quote for my Elise from the people insuring my BMW at the moment and it lowered the quote if I declared modifications! All I've done is change the steering wheel, but apparently that puts me in a lower risk bracket.

[RobM77]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yes, it was 35mm at the front and 25mm at the rear I think. I presume that's going to quell understeer slightly too. I'm still worried about messing with BMW's ride and handling development. I'd really like to try a car that's had the kit on it. I also don't want my cello to be shaken to pieces on the lanes near my house - the car's main purpose in life is to carry my cello around.

[RobM77]

Thanks moosey. I'll try that forum this evening. One thing I don't want to get caught up in is the visual appearance of the car. Even Bilstein brag that the car will look lower and more menacing (or something like that). I'm caught between not caring how it looks and not wanting to look like a chav...

[RobM77]

I think I prefer the look of the standard car to be honest (see my profile), but it's not too obviously modified. How jiggly is the ride?

[RobM77]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Ah, I see I'd probably love it actually (check out my other cars!), but it wouldn't my car's use.

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I'll give you that actually. This is my second E36, and I've often thought they look rather strange the way they fill the rear arches but have gaps at the front.